Traditional valencian paellas are still eaten on Christmas day

When researching the origin and traditions related to the hearty genuine mountain village Valencian Paella, with its meats being chicken rabbit and pork meatballs, I discovered that upto the 1970's when money was still short for many families the full fledged paella was only eaten on Easter Monday, first communion sundays, wedding feasts, St James day,  in july, summer fiesta days, Valencia Day and Christmas day when full family gatheringsof twenty or more opeople are the norm. From what happened this year the latter is still the norm for Spanish families and perhaps an increasing number of expats.

First many Spanish friends commented that the close family was having its main celebratory dinner on Noche Buena , the evening of 24th December but the big total annual family gathering would be on the 25th wikth a large paella. Secondly our local Puig Mola paella restaurant, established in 1924 and still cooking on wood fires, was fully booked for three weeks either side of Christmas and on the three Christmas days of the 24, 25 and 26th. Incidently only normal prices being charged. Thirdly the December sales of the english version of the book 'Authentic Valencian Paellas' peaked during December while the Spanish version just had its normal odd sale.

So long may the tradition continue. Incidently the book can be easily purchased from The Book Depository  and Amazon Books.